Race equality watchdog boss Trevor Phillips will today urge all Britons to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas.

He is joined by non-Christian religious leaders in the call aimed at heading off the "political correctness" brigade.

Mr Phillips will say in a speech later today: "It's fine to celebrate Christmas and it's fine for Christ to be the star of the show.

"A lot of these stories about Christmas are the usual silly season stuff. But I feel there is sometimes an underlying agenda. It is to use this great holiday to fuel community tension. That's why I asked leaders in different religious communities to join me in saying, 'It's time to stop being daft about Christmas'."

Mr Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will tell a conference on diversity in London: "The logic is baffling to welcome Diwali and Hanukkah while brushing Christianity under the carpet."

He will add the commission is intent on banishing the growing sense that to celebrate the birth of Jesus is taboo.

The Hindu Council UK's general secretary Anil Bhanot, who has joined forces with Mr Phillips, said: "Hindus celebrate Christmas too. It's a great holiday for everyone living in Britain.

"We would like Christians to continue to carry Jesus's message of love. Barring other faiths does not fit in with the Hindu religion."

He jokingly added: "In the spirit of Christmas, we in the Singh family will, as usual, force ourselves to have extra turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies, the lot. All in the cause of inter-faith harmony.

"No one can say Sikhs don't go the extra mile."

FESTIVE JOY

Buddhism: Bodhi Day is celebrated on the closest Sunday to December 8.

Judaism: Jews celebrate the eight-day festival of Hanukkah.

Paganism: Most important date on the calendar is the winter solstice, Yule, on Dec 21.